CLS Summer School 2025 GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Join us on a transformative intellectual journey at 10th CLS Summer School 2025: Gender-based Violence and Human Rights!

In this 10-day course, you will join an international and interdisciplinary group of students and practitioners to explore various aspects of gender-based violence: particularly sexual, domestic, and reproductive violence — and its connection to human rights. We will discuss how gender-based violence has evolved from a matter of law and order to one of social order.

The course will analyze how courts assess cases of rape and other abuse, critically engaging with limitations of criminal prosecution while questioning whether justice systems are well equipped to deliver an experience of justice. We will trace the path of international human rights treaties and discuss what they offer survivors today.

In addition, we will explore the experiences of marginalized groups, such as individuals with migration experience, and the unique obstacles they face in accessing justice. Finally, through practical workshops, we will explore trauma and its impacts, learning the basics of crisis intervention and ways to engage with survivors.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about this social justice dilema with us in a breath-taking natural park. The venue, an enchanting wooden chalet, offers not only the perfect environment for stimulating discussions and new friendships, but also cosy rooms, a full bar, a sauna, and an ideal hiking base camp.

You will be able to: 

• Explain to everyone, including your grandparents, what gender-based violence is and that it is NOT just about individual perpetrators.
• Argue that sexual autonomy is central to achieving gender equality and social justice.
• Explain the evolution of gender-based violence in international legal instruments and criticize the decisions of some Central and Eastern European countries to refuse ratification of the Istanbul Convention for fears of “gender ideology.”
• Explain the impact of gender-based violence on survivors, including how those with PTSD may appear "normal" on the outside while silently struggling with emotional or psychological pain.
• Identify biases and stereotypes about victims and offenders in court decisions, and understand that the European Court of Human Rights has ruled the failure to properly investigate sexual violence due to these biases as a human rights violation.
• Understand the principles of restorative justice, including its benefits in comparison with punitive systems, and its limitations.
• Offer “It was not your fault” to a survivor of gender-based violence, focusing on their experience rather than sharing your own, even with the best intentions.
• Analyze the relationship between gender-based violence and human rights, understanding its many contributions in advancing global awareness and legal frameworks, while also recognizing its limitations in effectively addressing systemic inequalities and achieving lasting social change.

and much more after 10 days of discussions with international & interdisciplinary group of students and practitioners.

Would you like to know detailed information about the theme and programme that is waiting for you during the ten days spent in the magical setting of the Giant Mountains?

Are you interested in who will lead you through the academic programme of the summer school? Please meet our lecturers.

Do you wonder where the summer school will be held? Well, it is going to be in the Patejdlova bouda chalet in the heart of the Giant Mountains.

In the mountains? But how can I get there? 

Do you have any questions regarding the summer school? Please do not hesitate to contact us using our e-mail address summer@society.cz or our contact form. Or you can have a look at frequently asked questions. 

Have you made your decision to apply for the summer school? That's great news! Please let us know about your interest using the application form.